Ohio’s Amish Country provides delightful experiences throughout all seasons
By Jennifer Kneuss
There is perhaps no other year-round travel destination where the delightful ambience of a simple agriculturally based way of life, rich historical heritage, cultural diversity, gifted artisan work, breathtaking performing arts, outdoor adventures, captivating festivals, holiday magic, and old country charm are all represented as they are in Ohio’s Amish Country. Coshocton, Holmes, Tuscarawas, and Wayne counties are the premier destination for making unforgettable memories in all seasons.
Spring awakens in Amish Country as horse-drawn plows dig deep into the soil and Mother Nature comes to life along the pathways of plentiful arboretums, nature preserves, and hiking trails. The first of a fascinating feast of unique festivals and exhibitions begin, with their focus on fiber arts, dandelion wine, classic cars, sun-kissed strawberries and other delights. Cows enjoy the lush new grass and, in return, provide their creamy milk for the delicious Swiss and other cheeses for which the area is so famous. The grass covers the somber burial grounds of Civil War soldiers at Bolivar’s Fort Laurens and the graves of Ohio’s first missionary converts--the Christian Indians who died in the infamous Gnadenhutten massacre.
Summer explodes with opportunities in Amish Country. Coshocton’s Frontier Power Hot Air Balloon Festival, professional rodeos, memorabilia of baseball great Cy Young, the Tuscora Park carousel, military museums, Dennison Depot’s American Soldiers Homecoming, working Amish farms, exotic animal preserves, canoe or raft rides down the Mohican River, and the Ohio Light Opera can all be explored. Tours of Coshocton’s Annin Flag Company, the oldest flag manufacturer in the U.S., celebrate the heritage of Old Glory. There are bountiful farmers’ markets with their colorful displays of flowers and produce, the Wooster Jazz Fest, outdoor concerts and performances, Trumpet in the Land amphitheater, horse-drawn canal boat rides, Orrville Depot train rides, and Amish buggy tours. Holmes County’s quaint artisan shops and the offerings of their world famous cooks make Berlin and surrounding areas a do-not-miss destination. Mt. Hope and Kidron livestock and produce auctions, a huge quilt auction, fascinating antique malls and flea markets, dinner and community theatre productions, and the unusual Toland-Herzig Famous Endings Museum in nearby Dover, exclusively dedicated to the funerals of celebrities, all warmly welcome visitors.
Autumn is exceptional as thousands of trees burst into exuberant colors. Apple butter stirrin’ takes place at Historic Roscoe Village, with its shops and live demonstrations of a past era. The Great Mohican Indian Pow-Wow focuses on Native American culture, and grapes are harvested for the metamorphosis into Ohio’s finest wines, which can be sampled at wonderful wineries or at the Ohio Swiss Festival’s wine and cheese tastings. The festival also showcases the very best of old world culture with polka music, dance, exquisite costumes, and two exceptional parades. Both Schoenbrunn and Historic Zoar Village light their lanterns as they offer guests the opportunity to explore their charming villages, which are an integral part of Ohio history.
The landscape changes as the winter season begins. The stark beauty of Amish barns nestled into powdery snow is stunning, and the frosty breath of gentle giant workhorses hangs in the air while they patiently wait for their harnesses to be hitched to the wagons. Dover’s J.E. Reeves Victorian Home and Carriage House Museum and Millersburg’s Victorian House Museum put on their lavish holiday best, while inns and cozy bed and breakfasts hang wreaths on their front doors and stoke their fireplaces to warm their guests The Wendell August Gift Shop offers handcrafted, heirloom quality giftware, forged from aluminum, bronze and copper. An amazing legacy of the craftsmanship of Ernest “Mooney” Warther, master carver, is displayed all year long at The Warther Museum, but is particularly stunning as his famous locomotives and other handiwork are viewed in the setting of the annual Christmas tree festival.
Visitors even have the opportunity to purchase their favorite theme-decorated tree. Christmas in Zoar is magical, as costumed carolers and musicians stroll throughout the village by candlelight, and fresh gingerbread and hot apple cider are served. The young and young-at-heart revel in the whimsy of traveling on the Polar Express as they nibble on cookies and hear Santa read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. There are also ice sculpting masterpieces, jingling sleigh rides, and opportunities to experience an authentic Amish Christmas.
“There is so much to enjoy here, all year long,” said LaVonne DeBois, who guides guests through her services at Amish Tours of Ohio 12 months out of the year. “Each group is different, and creativity is important. There are behind-the-scenes tours of Amish furniture makers, visits to view a private collection of over 90 restored Farmall tractors, and progressive meal tours in Amish homes. People can enjoy candle making, cookie baking, or even basket weaving with Amish craftspeople who willingly share their skills. We might even make Amish peanut butter with an Amish woman, where guests can take home what they make, along with a wooden spoon and dishcloth. Others may choose to see a real, one-room Amish schoolhouse in session. There is really no limit to what you can experience here in Ohio’s Amish Country.”
